Members Present:

Father Jack Filippine, Kevin McMackin, Jenny Reker, Linda Lennon, Peg Mersch, Tom Bove, Milt Partridge, Bonnie Mack, Tim, Barry, Joe Staneck, Don Schaeper, Craig Kowalski

Others Present: Mike Gallagher

Opening:

Bonnie Mack led the members in prayer and reflection.

Minutes:

Peg Mersch made a motion, seconded by Jenny Reker to approve the October 22 minutes.

The minutes were unanimously accepted as written.

Stewardship Update:

Mike Gallagher gave a report for the Stewardship Committee. There is a $5,599 shortfall through November, 2001. The committee is looking forward to a strong December, but predicting a shortfall of $11,858 for 2002. Letters are being sent to 15 unpledged school families.

Mike Gallagher would like to do a parent-school night next year sometime after Labor Day to discuss finances and the need to maintain good parishioner standing by making a $650 pledge. Bill Cavanaugh has agreed to help. Children need to be given a chance to become more involved in stewardship and community service projects. It was suggested that what the parish pays towards tuition should be looked at as a scholarship given by the parish It was also suggested that children be given envelopes for their weekly donations to the parish as a way of becoming more involved in stewardship.

Parish Debt:

The parish has a debt of $100,000. Special envelopes have been sent out for contributions to reduce the debt and a number of contributions have been received this past week. Tom Bove suggested that an additional letter be sent thanking parishioners for their response and commenting on the remaining debt.

Goals:

Volunteerism:

Parishioners need to be encouraged to initiate volunteerism. A volunteer fair is being planned. Tim Barry will see to putting a survey in the bulletin concerning volunteerism. The volunteer fair should be set in conjunction with a coffee and donut Sunday. A meeting is being planned for all heads of organizations in the parish.

Communications:

An on-line suggestion box will be established. All parish groups will have their own bulletin board. Parishioners should be informed as to where the suggestion box is located in Church.

Milt Partridge asked if it is known how many parishioners are reached through computer technology, Vibrations and the bulletin. It was suggested that time be set aside to show parishioners what is available on the St. Vivian website. There will be a demonstration of the website at the January Parish Council meeting.

 

Parish Leaders Summit:

The Summit will be an effort to promote good communication in the parish. Information on the use of facilities and how to reserve these facilities, etc. needs to be given to group leaders. Fund-raising projects need to be better coordinated. Parish Council members need to be involved in the meeting. Tom Bove will do an agenda for the meeting.

Twining Project:

If Father Jack and the Worship Commission agrees, bulletin and pulpit announcements of the twinning project will be made by the Besls. A priest from the parish in Harlan will visit

St. Vivian on January 27-28 to speak to the parish.

Parish Mission:

Approximately 350 parishioners attended the November mission each evening and it was deemed very successful.

Suggestion Box:

There were several negative comments on the communion procession being started in the back of the main section. The "L" does not receive as many negative comments. The comments will be given to the Worship Commission.

There will be a 5K run on December 31 to benefit the family of Deacon Jerry Coomes. Parishioners need to be made aware of his condition. Linda Lennon will see to this.

A complaint was made concerning practice by the Ensemble group before Mass. This will be given to Tim McManus.

A suggestion was made to reevaluate parking in the front lot.

A suggestion was received asking that the Ensemble group wear robes when performing at Mass. This comment will be passed on to Tim McManus.

 

Open Discussion:

Tom Bove asked that the minutes record the fact that all Parish Council members have given their approval to having their names and phone numbers listed on the website.

The meeting was adjourned with a prayer.